Training The Trail Elbow In The Golf Swing

[@adaviesgolf]

Thanks for watching how to train the trail elbow! Al

[@martinbarrett9062]

I guess im randomly asking but does any of you know a trick to log back into an Instagram account..? I was stupid lost the password. I would appreciate any tricks you can give me

[@robertoquinton5404]

@Martin Barrett instablaster :)

[@martinbarrett9062]

@Roberto Quinton i really appreciate your reply. I got to the site on google and I'm waiting for the hacking stuff atm. Looks like it's gonna take a while so I will get back to you later with my results.

[@martinbarrett9062]

@Roberto Quinton It worked and I finally got access to my account again. Im so happy:D Thanks so much, you saved my ass !

[@robertoquinton5404]

@Martin Barrett Glad I could help :)

[@Hoganiron]

We are blessed to have many golf instructors in our generation, who provide so much good information. I have benefitted from a number of them. However, Alistair, your ability to convey information understandably, and in a way we can apply, is the best I've seen. I discovered you three weeks ago and have hit the ball better than ever because of your posture and takeaway advice. Today, one of your videos that recommends the right elbow joint pointing up at address added another greatly helpful piece to the puzzle. Thanks so much.

[@adaviesgolf]

Thanks appreciate it

[@yodalim9521]

Great piece of tip, heard many of it, but you demonstrated with drills, many thanks, PRO

[@adaviesgolf]

Thanks

[@paso193]

Why do I get the feeling that this is one of the key components that's invariably not made clear by most golfing materials and teachers. Its almost like its being withheld by design.....like the holy grail. Anyway, thanks for this great lesson on training the Trail Elbow. I've seen a tremendous difference in all of my clubs. 👏👍

[@adaviesgolf]

Thanks and good luck

[@johnprincipe8325]

I am getting a lot out of this. Thanks.

[@adaviesgolf]

Thanks

[@samthaicafe]

You are the golf instructor in business. Awesome I had changed my life

[@adaviesgolf]

Thanks 🙏

[@bh5606]

Tremendously important concept.

[@adaviesgolf]

Thanks

[@stevel1731]

Thanks so much! This video cleared up lifetime of misunderstanding of exactly what needs to happen with that elbow in delivery.

[@adaviesgolf]

Thanks 🙏

[@MrKingdonuts]

Phenomenal teaching 👏🏽 can't wait to practice your drills. Thanks a million times !!!!

[@adaviesgolf]

Thanks and good luck

[@torelivia9190]

This really helped me create a feel. Thanks

[@adaviesgolf]

Thanks

[@LabradoodleTofuBoy]

What an excellent drill! Watched so many video bc I'm not consistent in this. This?! I will practice at home! Perfect Perfect! Thank you!

[@adaviesgolf]

Thanks 🙏

[@jhuff901]

This is the best downswing video I've come across. My downswing has been flawed FOREVER and I now feel that I have something specific focus on! Thanks!!

[@adaviesgolf]

Thanks Jeff

[@littleo353]

My favorite, Gary Player, once said "I have been playing this game for over 60 years and I still don't know what I'm doing." I TOO have played now for over 60 years and this applies to me. I started trying to mimic Hogan's swing (me being about his height) and have on a VERY few occasions unleashed shots -primarily with the driver - that went astounding distances. My good tee-shots for years were 240 to 250. With the driver I have driven 300, 325 and 350 - all one times. Then I resort back to 240/250. Same with irons. Every once in a while I hit way over the green with an approach. It is exciting as an old man to have come within 3 strokes of shooting my age. It is also VERy exciting to move a ball - admittedly rarely - such distances but I only weigh about 140. This video may have turned the corner for me. It is the best explanation I've seen so far on so subtle a thing in the swing.

[@adaviesgolf]

Thanks so much, I great achievement shooting close to your age 👍

[@hugokvist6178]

Great video. Easiest way this move is described. This coming from a guy that watched alot of trail-elbow tutorials.

[@adaviesgolf]

Thanks Hugo

[@kenmcintosh6870]

Have studied the video about dropping the hands down and have tried it out today on the course, I have now stopped casting the driver and can direct my drives more confidently, many thanks Alastair.

[@adaviesgolf]

Great to hear! Al

[@roberthaar]

A great tip for those of us with an active release who pull hook the ball.

[@adaviesgolf]

Thanks

[@msnpde6799]

Thanks Alistar......pretty helpful

[@adaviesgolf]

Thanks

[@rogerking3449]

Hi Alistair, good stuff, seems like the first time learning the trail elbow. I like it. you the MAN again!

[@adaviesgolf]

Thanks Roger

[@VoodooZ]

Wow. I can't believe you're the only one that ever mentioned the whole body vs arms thing so far in my search. I've always had a feeling of "hitting" from the trail side and always fought it as I perceived it to be "wrong"... The how is key of course but I think as hockey player growing up it feels more natural than the equivalent "pulling" feel..

[@koseno9268]

Great video! Thank you so much! I feel being enlightened, can’t wait to start practicing so. Expecting more videos like this.... appreciation!

[@adaviesgolf]

Thanks 🙏

[@golfweed9947]

Great lesson, great drill ! Well done. Wish I'd had this information 30 years ago. Thanks.

[@adaviesgolf]

Thanks 🙏

[@fwabnik]

Great video, can’t wait to try the drill with the stick and the two tees, truly amazing and clear

[@adaviesgolf]

Thanks 🙏

[@olleedsbacker3015]

Hello Alistair, I appreciate that you give advice on how to organize the practice in order to gradually improve.

[@adaviesgolf]

Thanks

[@johnschwartz1536]

Alistair! I've been working on bringing my right forearm into play in the downswing. After viewing your video, I see where there is a interconnection with the elbow. After viewing your video, I see how I can be practicing this movement. Keep up the good work!!!

[@adaviesgolf]

Thanks John

[@tomchaperon1081]

Thanks for the nice video Alastair I've already been doing this for a few years on my own and it makes a big difference on hitting a fade versus the pole hook

[@adaviesgolf]

Good luck

[@eddewing2786]

Hi Alistair, I’m really enjoying your videos , could you please do a video on bunker shots . Also how you feel about controlling distance out of particular green side bunkers.

[@adaviesgolf]

Thanks Ed, will add it to the list. Al

[@goranpettersson7757]

👍😊 Excelent Lesson!

[@adaviesgolf]

Thanks 🙏

[@samthaicafe]

Thank you for your help you the best

[@adaviesgolf]

Thanks appreciate it

[@rackum44]

Good video The trail elbow is not really talked about too much in detail and I believe it is very important part of the swing

[@adaviesgolf]

Thanks me too

[@christophernicholls1294]

Love this mate 👏

[@adaviesgolf]

Thanks Chris 🙏

[@stevenboyd2506]

This is a great video ! I get to the top square but open the face in my initial downswing motion due to my right elbow flaring. Haven't found an image that works until now. Anxious to try it. Thanks !

[@adaviesgolf]

Thanks and good luck

[@puluke77]

Great information very informative

[@puluke77]

Has improved my ball striking

[@adaviesgolf]

Thanks and well done

[@crispyduck1706]

Giving you a like here this is just what I need to do

[@adaviesgolf]

Thanks,

[@Carnakr1]

Thanks for the trail elbow lesson. Would love to see you play 3 holes and hear your commentary and your image you put in your head before each shot. What two ideas before each shot. Would be great to see you play a par 3, par 4, and par 5

[@adaviesgolf]

Will get it done when I can get back on course

[@nigelmeredith4845]

A really good thought Alistair on doingmore repetitions of what you are trying to achieve to ensure you make the change 👍

[@adaviesgolf]

Thanks Nigel !

[@rolfkostka3992]

Another great video, excellent instruction and information. I wish I could help you as much as you helped me. Been practising all your tips in my garage waiting for the snow to disappear and hit the links. Things are looking good in the practise net, I know I will see great results come golfing season. Working hard on the early extension drills you posted, I think this drill may help a bit with the early extension as well because the elbow movement encourages proper rotation.

[@adaviesgolf]

Thanks Rolf, yes it will help that too. Thanks again al

[@simonphillips3859]

Stumbled on this....I have been struggling with big pulls over the last few months. Playing off 2, I get a little steep and close the face 1-2 degrees...result being I live on the left side of the course and its been miserable. I have been trying to get more inside without consistent results...then I tried this drill and blow, me i managed to hit a bucket of balls at the range and nothing went left! I even managed to hit a feathery fade:) Many thanks Alistair

[@adaviesgolf]

Thanks Simon!! Good luck

[@joekane23]

Driving the trail elbow on its own can leave the club face open maybe adding bowing of the the lead wrist from the top is part of the equation another great video Alistair

[@adaviesgolf]

Yes for sure James

[@mslu62]

Would you suggest ulnar deviation sooner in the downswing to counteract an open clubface ?

[@adaviesgolf]

No ulnar won’t change the clubface, wrist flexion is key

[@Robertoknowit]

[@adaviesgolf]

Please chat here and request any videos you would like! Thanks al

[@johnblagg7021]

Alistair could you show me the backswing. I move too much laterally in the backswing. I have for years. Thanks John blagg chalgrave manor golf club

[@adaviesgolf]

Thanks check this out kzbin.info/aero/PLpccpKGyfOJhyOHAvy9UFQi9u-U7g1mg7

[@angushall8262]

Hi Alistair. The position where elbow is in front of hands where alignment stick is positioned, where would your hips & shoulders be facing? I have difficulty achieving this position without hips open & left shoulder higher. Thanks.

[@adaviesgolf]

@@angushall8262 yes both torso and hips would be open at this point. Thanks

[@adaviesgolf]

@@johnblagg7021 hi john, yes I have lots of videos covering this and more to come. Thanks

[@artmartin7344]

Thanks for the video! I've seen other videos about the right elbow but your comments on whether the elbow is pushing or the body is pulling was great! I found it's better for me to feel like the elbow pushing and that made a huge improvement. Is this right elbow the same with driver?

[@adaviesgolf]

Thanks and yes same with driver

[@julierader2322]

Great lesson!

[@adaviesgolf]

Thanks

[@randymahony8157]

Good video Al. I move the ball position way up in my stance to get me to drive the elbow forward. It works for me.

[@adaviesgolf]

Thanks Randy, yes that will help

[@joetobin7544]

Alster thank you ,I know from Mr Hogan. That was one of his secrets..thank you.. Joe..

[@adaviesgolf]

Thanks Joe

[@justjames1111]

This is such a Good video Alistair. Would you say that this 'fault' of not externally rotating the trail elbow to shallow the club could be what Shaun Webb at AMG called 'the Queen Bee' fault, for many Amateurs? Thanks.

[@adaviesgolf]

Thanks yes that certainly is key

[@alancarlyon3928]

We amateurs can think of too much of our swing at times, what you are shown us is more food for thought! I throw the but of my club (irons) at the ball on the down swing, thus resulting in my elbow being ahead of the club head and creating lag in the process, this way I know that my trail elbow is tucked in! Hope this helps all?

[@Tateclipz2011]

Thanks for the great video. I have noticed that my backswing arm fold is what is specifically controlling how this right arm operates in the downswing. I have found that if my right elbow is anywhere close to being behind my hand at the top of my backswing, it is almost near impossible for me to get my right arm in the correct position at the bottom of the swing/impact and before. I wonder if you could give a specific video on the backswing, specifically the right arm fold? Thanks again for the great instruction. BK

[@adaviesgolf]

Thanks Bill. Give this a watch kzbin.info/www/bejne/gqeyhqOlZt-qd5I

[@fredanderson2122]

Fantastic video.

[@adaviesgolf]

Thanks Fred

[@mattpurcellheadgroundsmen]

Great video 👍

[@adaviesgolf]

Thanks Matt

[@Carnakr1]

Setting up to a short iron- what two ideas you have in your head to hit a quality ball flight the correct distance, mid iron same, long iron same, fairway wood same, driver same, short , middle, long put two ideas in your head.

[@adaviesgolf]

Thanks

[@greghill5183]

My biggest problem with my golf swing is getting stuck! Great video! Any tips on how to keep my right elbow from getting behind me in the backswing? Thanks!

[@adaviesgolf]

Thanks check this video out kzbin.info/www/bejne/pmnJiGOJj9KlaNk

[@stevemiller2775]

What can I do to help me aim better. Sometimes when I hit my irons or wedges the ball goes left or right not always center towards the flag. What adjustments can I make to be more accurate. Thank you for offering excellent instruction videos. Have a great day.

[@adaviesgolf]

Thanks Steve. Take a look at this video to help your alignment. There could be many little things that can cause issues though. kzbin.info/www/bejne/p4OpfKSMm9eDgKM

[@stevemiller2775]

@@adaviesgolf Thank you for taking the time to reply. I will practice these suggestions and hopefully improve on this aspect of my game. Have a great day. Cheers 🍻

[@adaviesgolf]

@@stevemiller2775 you too 👍

[@derkaderka4017]

Good stuff. Thank you Alistair! Any relation to Dame Laura by the way?

[@adaviesgolf]

Thanks. No that would be nice!

[@derkaderka4017]

Alistair Davies Golf You both have a nice, encouraging, and enthusiastic approach to the game in any case! Cheers!!

[@adaviesgolf]

Thanks nice to hear

[@carlosfreitasdasilva9150]

When I try to do what you recommend, my golf ball trajectory goes much higher but I do not win more distance. Does that means that I am not correctly implementing your advice ? Thanks

[@adaviesgolf]

Yes if you did this correctly the ball flight would be lower for sure! Al

[@garyleyte5329]

A sure way of killing chicken wings! Very helpful tip alis.

[@adaviesgolf]

Thanks 🙏

[@garyvale8347]

I have recently found keeping my ( right ) trail arm close at take-away really helps me , but how do I know exactly when it's ok to let my elbow drift a little further away from my body at the top of my back swing , otherwise I find my swing can become too inside to out, causing a hook.......thanks

[@adaviesgolf]

About chest height and make sure it’s not over bent in the backswing otherwise you will loose width

[@macgowan47]

Alistair--could the ball drill which you posted to help develop the squat move -be used to help position the right elbow just inside your right hip?

[@adaviesgolf]

Hi Dick, getting the right leg hip action will help for sure. Al

[@daviddmytro134]

After you get the right elbow in the correct position waist high, how do l then put myself in the position to release the club face through the ball to finish?

[@adaviesgolf]

Watch this kzbin.info/www/bejne/mWi8ZpaIZr2llaM

[@JohnsonC0099]

Great drill ! Solid, but draws a lot. What goes wrong？

[@adaviesgolf]

Thanks must have too much hand action

[@Oreganal75]

Good video. Don’t get impaled by an alignment rod all!!

[@adaviesgolf]

Thanks will try not too

[@MJB7322]

Ok, so we know how to get to last parallel. Why didn't you show how to go from last parallel to impact? That to me is so much more important. How do you do that and how do you square the clubface at impact consistently? Do you have any videos on that?

[@adaviesgolf]

This should cover it kzbin.info/www/bejne/pHm1iJabeM2kecU

[@louiscaracappa1830]

Alistair. Great video as a always when I try the move I feel like I don't have the flexibility in my elbow and shoulder for my elbow to reach the stick before my hands. Does this come with repetition or do I have to be content with a tie! Lou

[@adaviesgolf]

I think u do both, practicing or moving well will increase the range but also you go with what u have got in the mean time Al

[@clarkbrechin7970]

Unless I work the body hard with rotation, l hit the ball out to the right doing this although I know it's correct. Or maybe it's a lack of lead arm supination. Either way, this is an anti-left move for me. I've always been a flipper even though I'm a +2 handicap - I need to get this right to get to the next level though

[@adaviesgolf]

Lead arm supination is the way forward

[@azcharlie2009]

I can easily get the trail elbow in the desired position. I just don't know what has to happen AFTER that. The ball goes right.

[@adaviesgolf]

You have to turn the body lots and keep connection between the arms and body

[@paulbarrett2756]

Does this wy with the driver also? Thanks

[@adaviesgolf]

Yes all swings are the same apart from set up and natural changes due to the club

[@adaviesgolf]

Also watch this Paul kzbin.info/www/bejne/bHOmZoBpitqke9U

[@ronrund]

Great video. I noticed that when you lead with the trail elbow the club face looks extremely open when the shaft is parallel to the ground. How do you close it from there? Thanks!

[@adaviesgolf]

Thanks 🙏, you need to make sure you have lead wrist flexion, I don’t always do it on my demos, al

[@ronrund]

@@adaviesgolf could you do a video on that? Thanks!

[@adaviesgolf]

This covers it a lot kzbin.info/www/bejne/bpDZdopsoZKabJY

[@tonystewart7872]

Great video ! But once you get your right elbow just before the ball, do you feel as if you continue pushing your elbow or straighten your arm? And do you straighten your right arm towards the ball or towards the target? Please do another video showing the complete right arm swing. Thank you

[@adaviesgolf]

Thanks definitely a target focus for me otherwise you will straighten it too early, hardly any golfers straighten it too late! Al

[@Dumaanddumber]

Dies this drill also apply to the driver?

[@adaviesgolf]

Yep but do it with irons and let it affect driver swing naturally

[@stephenhoard1972]

Al, another great video. I am working on keeping my upper right arm close to my torso during the downswing. Doing this keeps my trail elbow tight as you indicate. It really helps to do this with my longer clubs. I like your suggestion of using an alignment stick as an indicator. I wonder if using the stick will help retain lag? Will see during my next practice session. By the way, I used two alignment sticks taped end to end yesterday in my practice. You'd suggested using a long garden pole on the right side to help with downswing path. My mod worked OK. I'll try your alignment stick suggestion in front. Thanks for the advice.

[@adaviesgolf]

Thanks Stephen, yes it will help with lag also, good luck with the practice. Al

[@stephenhoard1972]

@@adaviesgolf I've seen PGA pros occasionally pull their shirts out from under their arms and clamp their arms down on the surplus shirt. Wondered what they were doing. Maybe they were focusing on their trail elbows? Will try your alignment stick idea out tomorrow. Thanks.

[@adaviesgolf]

More just for connection, upper arm close and connected, elbow can be further away. Al

[@muddyboots1764]

It kind of looks like you are pointing the butt of the club toward the target in the down swing?

[@adaviesgolf]

To the right of target yes. Al

[@marioperreault]

I would like to see the downswing in slow motion, to get how the elbow works.

[@adaviesgolf]

Take a look at some of the best players on the pga tour, they do it a lot better than me

[@Tateclipz2011]

What do the arms do after impact? I get different answers. TY

[@adaviesgolf]

Rotate and fold, difficult to right a exact answer. Depends on release pattern

[@sensa123]

Surely there must be a drill to feel this naturally Alastair. Adding a mechanical step into your swing disrupts the "flow" so doesn't it make it unnatural and harder to do at speed? This is the toughest part of the entire swing 😥😥😥

[@adaviesgolf]

Drills are to make change not flow, flow when hitting normally

[@joekane23]

Have you tried looping the club in a clockwise direction I sometimes do this to help with fluency in my swing all the best J

[@adaviesgolf]

james kane not sure I understand how you mean

[@joekane23]

Alistair Davies Golf : Keeping the club head outside the hands on the backswing and inside the hands on the downswing clockwise: as opposed to pulling the club head inside the hands on the backswing and outside the hands on the downswing counterclockwise all the best J

[@adaviesgolf]

james kane yes that will help 👍

[@lifesaver3499]

Why does every british online advert involve drinking water to cure something

[@mattsmith-bl2bg]

is that a drill with exaggeration?

[@adaviesgolf]

Yes difficult to achieve that when hitting but I like exaggerated feels

[@zzxxyy22]

Thank you for that question...huge